City of Atlanta Resolution

Atlanta Officially Becomes a Compassionate City

On February 2nd, 2014, the City Council of Atlanta unanimously passed a resolution designating the city of Atlanta to be a “compassionate city” under the International Campaign for Compassionate Cities. Mayor Kasim Reed approved that resolution on February 12th, 2014.

This is wonderful news for the residents of Atlanta and everyone who believes in the benefits of compassionate action. We now turn our attention to getting civic, corporate, educational and religious leaders throughout Greater Atlanta to help us turn this positive move by the City Council and Mayor into action.

The text of Resolution 14-R-3147

Adopted Feb 3, 2014 1:00 PM

A RESOLUTION TO FORMALLY SIGN THE CHARTER FOR COMPASSION AND TO DESIGNATE THE CITY OF ATLANTA AS A COMPASSIONATE CITY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, Karen Armstrong, a respected scholar who studies the connections between world religions, was awarded the 2008 TED Prize for her groundbreaking work; and

WHEREAS, the recipient of a TED Prize is given $100,000.00 to carry out their one wish for a better world; and

WHEREAS, with that funding and the support of the TED organization, Karen Armstrong created the Charter for Compassion; and

WHEREAS, the Compassionate Action Network International and the Campaign for Compassionate Cities were created to promote the Charter for Compassion; and

WHEREAS, as a part of the Ten Year Campaign for Compassionate Cities there will be opportunities to connect organizations that are in need of resources and volunteers with community members who can assist them; and

WHEREAS, by becoming part of a compassionate city, region, or nation, citizens become empowered to develop a sense of cooperation and reinvigorated hope; and

WHEREAS, today, over 80 cities from Gaziantep, Turkey to Seattle, WA are participating in the Campaign for Compassionate Cities; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a resolution in June of 2013 to endorse the Campaign for Compassionate Cities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Atlanta, as the home of the Civil Rights movement, has a rich history of compassion; and

WHEREAS, by designating Atlanta as a Compassionate City we call on other cities and municipalities to join us in supporting the principle of compassion and acts of compassion.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, that the Atlanta City Council hereby signs on to the Charter of Compassion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Atlanta is designated as a Compassionate City.